El Clasico Fanfare Ramps Up In Miami, But Ronaldo's Status Unknown

Tomorrow's Int'l Champions Cup schedule includes the much anticipated Real Madrid-FC Barcelona "El Clasico" at Hard Rock Stadium, and FCB team members today at noon ET are "appearing on stage at Casa Clasico, the free fan fest" at Miami's Bayfront Park. Real Madrid F Cristiano Ronaldo's status for the game remains unknown. Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross, whose company Relevent Sports owns and runs the ICC, yesterday said he was "probably more pessimistic than optimistic" about Ronaldo playing. Ross: "We've reached out, we've done everything" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/28).

Meanwhile, The FC Barcelona Foundation today will sign an agreement with Miami Dade College to "launch FutbolNet, an educational program that uses soccer to improve school performance, teach leadership skills, promote self-confidence and provide conflict-resolution techniques" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/27).